tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57328092011-04-22T04:58:02.959+09:00D's DazeLike seconds ticking away on my egg-timer.... these are the daze of my lifeDanolanoreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1090818202026918442004-07-26T13:43:00.000+09:002004-07-26T14:03:22.026+09:00Dust, Sweat & TearsOk so I"v been really KAK about updating this blog. I have no excuse for it. The fact of the matter is I"v been busy as HELL...and I figured anyone who wants to know what Im up to would email me.
But anyway....I have a few minutes now....so Im gonna do my best to update this thing.
Where to begin??
Well...lets begin with the Dust.
I"v always considered my apartment to be clean & very livable. Danolanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1089418185138930732004-07-10T08:45:00.000+09:002004-07-10T09:09:45.136+09:00Belated- HiroshimaOk- so Iv been too busy to say something about my now not-so-recent trip to Hiroshima.
A couple of weeks ago Oliver, Linz, Kristel & I went on a mini pilgrimage.I wanted to SEE what the war did...And BOY did I SEE!
The A-Bomb Dome stands proud yet destroyed. It is the only thing that survived.
The Peace Park is thought prevoking.
The Museums simply HORRIYING. I was totally unprepared for whatDanolanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1089266982992106962004-07-08T15:02:00.000+09:002004-07-08T15:11:27.280+09:00Sayonara DazeThis is crazy! I have a few weeks left in Japan &
a) I have an zillion things yet to pack. How on earth could I have accumulated so much junk in such a short space of time?
b) I have no TIME to pack because I have not one or two- but 19 farewell dinners/parties in the next 21 days
BUT
c) Its too bloody HOT to do MOVE! The humidity today is 85%. EIGHTY FIVE!! And today is actually cooler than Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1087368384367456772004-06-16T15:34:00.000+09:002004-06-16T16:02:35.973+09:00The FirstSo after a long & winding road- my internet connection at home is FINALLY up & running.
True...its just in time for me to leave (just 6 weeks to go) but Im actually GLAD I didnt get this organised earlier.
WHY?
Because the thing is quite addictive. If I got this thing earlier my social life (here)would have been over. In fact- I doubt I would have left my apartment. Actually...now that I think Danolanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1087282586429927232004-06-15T15:47:00.000+09:002004-06-16T16:03:10.546+09:00A Dream within a DreamLast night I had an amazing dream...in it I was talking to an amazing friend. It was almost like she was in the room with me sliding under the killer kotatsu!
Or perhaps she was in Sendai- and calling to lecture me-like she frequently did.
And in my dreams she quickly set some of my childish fears, anxieties and dead end ideas to rest. In fact she very calmly in a very Bridget Jones no Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1087194197744842412004-06-14T15:08:00.000+09:002004-06-16T16:03:32.443+09:00Hop Along Last week one of my students came to the Staff Room, stood infront of me & read off a little page.
"Danola-sensei" she said "hold out your left hand"
So I did.
She put on a simple silver ID Bracelet with my initials engraved onto it.
Then she proceeded to read a very badly translated message(the meaning of which I was only able to grasp because I had my dictionary on hand)
The gist of it was:Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1086931982452902942004-06-11T14:11:00.000+09:002004-06-16T16:03:54.963+09:00The Skip FunctionA lifetime ago (it was actually just a couple of months-but it feel like an aeon has passed) I was lamenting on about my desire for a skip function.
In my fantasy I had a Skip Function (like the one on the DVD Remote Control)and I could just skip through scenes that I didnt want to watch.
Basically a fast forward function-which would take me to the good parts quickly.
However that fantasy got Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1086845506799632982004-06-10T14:15:00.000+09:002004-06-16T16:04:19.220+09:00Im a PredecessorIts rather wierd- but I just realised last night: Im a "Predecessor"
My first few weeks in Shiogama were filled with unexpected discoveries. My apartment was stuffed with things my Predecessor had left which I had no need for.Its really great that she was into baking & stuff-but I DEFINATELY didnt need so many baking trays,or TWO TVs niether one of which could be watched!!
And so a huge part Danolanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1086227341758053842004-06-03T10:35:00.000+09:002004-06-03T10:49:01.760+09:00FULL MOON
I believe that cold weather without snow, is a waste of cold.
So Im actually GLAD that the Miyagi weather has finally made up its mind & warmed up! Now the days are bright and filled with warm, comfortable sunshine. It reminds me of most days back home!
However I know that this lovely time is a passing thing. Soon Japan's fifth season(the Rainy Season) will start and with it will Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1086156920863098222004-06-02T15:01:00.000+09:002004-06-02T15:19:11.296+09:00Sincerest Apologies
Ok...so Iv recently discovered that there actually ARE people out there who want to know whats happening in my life...and take the time out to read this thing!
Im seriously sorry for not updating this Blog regularly. My only excuse is that I was moody & mizerable and you should actually be GLAD that I wasnt filling this space with melodramatic emotional mumbo jumbo!!
But Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1084773712908986442004-05-17T14:48:00.000+09:002004-05-17T15:15:51.396+09:00The Last Double Digit
One- friend who has left Japan recently
Two- weeks my Father may spend here next month!
Three- blissful days spent on Ko Samet. The hi-lite of my trip to Thailand.We stayed at Ao Prao Resort
Four-the number of trips Im taking in the next few weeks (Tokyo, Kyoto,Hiroshima & Kawatabi)
Five-the number of weeks Iv been too busy to bother with this Blog
Six- the Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1081488833412547112004-04-09T14:27:00.000+09:002004-04-09T14:37:08.840+09:00Oopsie Bunnies
Why didnt someone tell me before, that its Easter Weekend in the real world???
Oh...wait...I live in Japan. the place where Christian holidays don't happen and even if they did, I would probably miss it because most forms of mass media are beyond my comprehension!
For the record- two days (Friday & Monday) without email contact from home are TWO DAYS TOO LONG!! Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1081231195975439082004-04-06T14:53:00.000+09:002004-04-06T15:03:38.700+09:00Fuddy-Duddy Thoughts
Yesterday I told my brother: "Kleenex share prices are set to rocket"
Two seconds later he replied "Well then its a good thing you dont have to buy tissues in Japan"
His witt and wonderful sense of humour never ceases to amaze me.
I wonder if he knows how much he means to me??
I wonder if I do enough to show him (and other people important in my world)?
I wonder if its Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1081129195027286442004-04-05T09:54:00.001+09:002004-04-05T10:52:24.170+09:00Parting is NOT sweet sorrow
NOTE TO READER: "goodbye" here is my equivalent of "Mate ne" not "Sayonara".
The ability to part from loved ones has become one of the least expected lessons Iv learned on the Jet Programme.
To start on this programme, I had to say goodbye to family, friends and a life back home.
In Parting Lesson 2 I said goodbye to six wonderful amazing friends who I had Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1081129186170921692004-04-05T09:54:00.000+09:002004-04-05T10:42:27.293+09:00Parting is NOT sweet sorrow
The ability to part from loved ones has become one of the least expected lessons Iv learned on the Jet Programme.
To start on this programme, I had to say goodbye to family, friends and a life back home.
In Chapter 2 of this lesson. I had to say goodbye to six wonderful amazing friends who I had found, and grown to love in a matter of 12 months.
Now the Final Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1080545021167179352004-03-29T16:07:00.000+09:002004-03-29T16:28:19.530+09:00Hello & Goodbye
The land down under was better than I expected. In fact it was actually quite pleasant- once I shut out the sound of the offending accents!
Being in an English environment again did great things for my confidence. NOTHING was difficult. AND ....I was an adult again!
It was also scariliy like being in Durban. In fact the only real difference was the fact that I was in the Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1079502562005419542004-03-17T14:41:00.000+09:002004-03-17T15:27:38.090+09:00The Land of Oz
I met Mika when I arrived in Japan. She took me under her protective wing and was definately one of the people responsible for my settling into life here as smoothly as I did. Her family almost adopted me- in fact I call her Mum "Mamma-san"!
Anyway, last July she moved to Sydney, and on Saturday she will be marrying her Australian fiance, Paul.
I promised Mika I would be at herDanolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1079071718054187292004-03-11T14:53:00.000+09:002004-03-12T15:12:49.796+09:00Back to Life Back to Reality
I went to a three day conference in Yokohama for Returning Jets.
It was quite a reality check!
I realised:
* I have to get out of this dreamlike state Iv been in & get organised. CV /job hunting etc etc
* What "Reverse Culture Shock" really is and ways in which to cope with it.
* How to ship a futon home.
* Yokohama is a FANTASTIC City. Definately my favouriteDanolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1078383624970754842004-03-04T16:00:00.000+09:002004-03-04T16:06:31.060+09:00Piano on a Snowy Day
My life seems to be made up of a series of completly unexpected pleasures.
Today, once again, I was sitting at my desk, minding my own business, nose firmly stuck in the same novel I was reading yesterday ( its a fat book- its going to take me a while!)
When another teacher (this time a man) comes over to me. "Danola-sensei" he says " do you want to listen to some music"
Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1078382779140489602004-03-03T15:32:00.000+09:002004-03-04T15:48:28.403+09:00Hina Matsuri
Today is Hina Matsuri (Girls Day) in Japan. I was sitting at my desk, nose firmly planted in a novel, when a teacher came over to me and whispers " Danola-sensei today is Hina-matsuri. The lady teachers are having a private party. Please come with me at 1pm" "
At the appointed time, we left the warm staff room, and went to the opposite end of the school- to the cold drafty gym.
Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1078123882381030002004-03-01T15:51:00.000+09:002004-03-01T15:53:29.356+09:00Graduation Ceremony
To add to my growing list of "Only in Japan":
*People dress up in their Sunday best, go to a formal graduation ceremony, take off thier shoes at the door, and spend the rest of the time in bedroom slippers!
*18 year olds graduate from High School in what resembles a military parade- complete with stiff marching and regimented sitting/standing & bowing for 5seconds.
(high Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1077688432077294712004-02-25T14:53:00.000+09:002004-02-25T14:57:12.013+09:00Happy Daze
Why do I feel so happy today??
Perhaps its because I have no classes to teach ?? Can't be- since that happens often.
Perhaps it because Im almost done with a BIG farewell project for my students that are graduating? Possible, its only taken me the better part of the last three months!!
Or perhaps its because my world is lit with bright WARM sunshine. OK, OK maybe its "WARM" isnt Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1077521036801612482004-02-23T14:16:00.000+09:002004-02-25T14:34:43.123+09:00WAKE UP CALL
In the early hours of saturday morning (2.15am to be precise) I was forced outa bed to answer my telephone.
It was my Father, determined to keep me give me popsicle toes in the sub zero tempratures, with his ideas on what I should be doing after my current contract expires.
Hes obviously given it a LOT of thought, and while I have my reservations, his support and encouragement isDanolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1076985628898842242004-02-17T11:40:00.000+09:002004-02-17T11:42:22.090+09:00PHONE HOME...
Last night I called a friend in SA. The DOOS wasnt waiting next to the telephone like I expected. Instead someone in his office answered.
I asked for him.
"Hold on a sec" she replied "I'll see if I can find him"
10 seconds later I heard his familiar voice and I started telling him off for not picking up the phone in the first place....
The rest of the conversation is not blog Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1076908844176539972004-02-16T14:47:00.000+09:002004-02-16T14:47:47.576+09:00Delayed Update
OK. A delayed review of the 5day long trip to the snow festival.
88 ALTS merrily got on a ferry on Friday 6/02, and almost rolled out the next morning. Yes there was lotsa alcohol involved, but also the motion of the ferry had us wobbling for days afterwards.
Sapporro:
Is on Hokkaido-the northern most island in Japan. Its tempratures are usually colder than Miyagi, and it gets Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1076906318653234812004-02-13T13:28:00.000+09:002004-02-16T13:40:30.950+09:00February Blues
Anyone who has EVER lived away from home has felt some kind of Culture Shock. If your international experience is in the Northern Hemisphere, you know that it is especially bad in February.
Its cold, and life seems full of doubts & disappointment.
But experience has taught me that this passes with the arrival of the sakura.
SO its not necessary to worry people far far away, withDanolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1076566796581132172004-02-12T15:19:00.000+09:002004-02-12T15:22:23.076+09:00Broken Promises
SORRY! I know I promised a post uki-matsuri update.
I will I promise...
Just need some time to deal with the damage done by a public blogspot. Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1075789180811996592004-02-06T09:39:00.000+09:002004-02-06T10:02:10.170+09:00Cusp Decisions
So the results of the interview were not surprising.
Cant say im disappointed though- Iv been surprisingly sick of this place for the last four weeks.
Now that the decision has been made(and the relevant official papers submitted) I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders.
IM FREE
Im FREE to go home. Crime ridden, and as imperfect as it may be- its HOME! A land where I can Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1074483918524190252004-01-19T12:45:00.000+09:002004-01-19T12:46:42.606+09:00INTERVIEW FROM HELL
I know a BAD Interview when I see one.
My Interview this morning was BAD!!! In fact ...it wasnt bad. it was DISASTEROUS with a CAPITAL "D"
In my defense:
a) There are some things I cannot explain in English. Answering in Japanese is out of the question.
b) The job I was applying for requires a minimal amount of Japanese. 3 out of 5 interviewers grilling me in Japanese was Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1074039408038751542004-01-14T09:16:00.000+09:002004-01-14T09:19:43.576+09:00YUKI
The last week has been incredibly difficult. Caused largely by a bout of homesickness, a life like a soap opera & COLD FREEKING WEATHER!
Dont get me wrong. I LOVE Winter. I prefer cold weather to hot, yukky,sticky,sweaty summer. Anytime!
But this is not just winter.
This is like living in the freeking ARCTIC-WITHOUT heating.
Why is a country which is light years ahead technologically &Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1073353473916267842004-01-06T10:44:00.000+09:002004-01-06T10:46:31.403+09:00Translation Excercise
"Hooters" -on the Dark Continent. May be referred to as "horns" in other parts of the world.
You escaped the the best wine in the word & fabulous blow jobs by leaving Japan.
BUT SA culture & lingo is still a prt of your life!!
Love & miss you lots!
P.S. So what are "hooters" in the New World then?? Or do I need to keep my mind in the gutter to figure that one out? Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1073269373395464062004-01-05T11:22:00.000+09:002004-01-05T11:24:03.983+09:00Vacation Over
Reality SUCKS!!! Im back, sick as a dog (caught a cold somewhere between Hanoi's tropical weather & Sendai's sub zero tempratures). I guess thats 1 advantage of waking up- it makes you REALLY appreciate your dreams!
Vietnam was...INCREDIBLE! Since I dont want to sound like a tourist guide book, Im NOT going to give long drawn out stories about the Mekong Delta, or the Perfume Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1072052207643794452003-12-22T09:16:00.000+09:002003-12-22T14:12:56.466+09:00Vacation Plans
I suddenly realised IM GOING TO VIETNAM!!!!
It took a wad of travellers cheques in my hand to make this a reality.
Iv planned and talked about it for a while now.
BUT Iv been so busy and pre-occupied with other things that I FORGOT to be excited about this trip.
Then I got wacked with a serious case of excitement and anticipation this weekend!
My suitcase is packed. It Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1071558691100275522003-12-16T16:11:00.000+09:002003-12-16T16:12:22.200+09:00Promised Updated
I know Iv been TERRIBLE with keeping this thing updated! I just have so little time, and so much to do! Its crazy!
The JPLT was not as bad as I expected it to be. I was EXPECTING to be hit by a bus. It turned out to be a "little bus" instead of a GREAT BIG one!
Last Saturday I went to a beer tasting evening. Organised by a friend ( as part of his job in International Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1070848616103578922003-12-08T10:56:00.000+09:002003-12-08T10:59:43.153+09:00 MY SCHOOL TRIP
I just returned from a week long all expenses paid school trip. All I had to do was hang out with a few hundred really amazing enthusiastic kids, and check out some of the highlights of Japan.
I know I know...I have a tough life!
We went to three big cities but the high-lite of my trip: DEFINATELY. 100%. WITHOUT A DOUBT was KYOTO.
Its a favourite tourist destination, as it is Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1069741926973709222003-11-25T15:32:00.000+09:002003-11-25T15:34:55.750+09:00 ANOTHER LONG WEEKEND
We have a long weekend almost every month here. Some months-like November- we had TWO long weekends.
Hey...DEFINATELY no complaints from me!
My only complaint is that I am stupid enough to have taken on the challege of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test(JPLT)
Which means that most of my free time is dominated by plans to study, and a guilty conscience when I DONT!Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1069391851559060102003-11-21T14:17:00.000+09:002003-11-21T14:17:57.810+09:00More that Just a TV re-run
Yesterday I said I was bored. Today I still am-but I know thats just with my current JOB.
In the last 24 hours I realised that I am in an amazing place and I am making a difference to amazing people's lives.
A student randomly came up to me yesterday and said:"Danola-sensei You Rock My World"
"Wow" I said "Thanx. But ...you do know what that means??"
"Yes" he said,Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1069305196159339312003-11-20T14:13:00.000+09:002003-11-20T14:13:41.420+09:00Work is as it always was. But now things are now happening like a TV re-run. You have seen the show before. It was exciting and GREAT the first time around. But the second time around its lost its sparkle. Its actually kinda boring. You watch it cause theres nothing else on & you wish you could change the chanel!
Dont get me wrong. Its interesting. And the people here are WONDERFUL (students Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1068683270408994702003-11-13T09:27:00.000+09:002003-11-13T09:33:16.833+09:00Its been ABSOLUTE AGES since I updated this thing.
Iv had my hands full(every pun intended!) and I apologise profusely for neglecting any avid readers who may be out there!
But if you have been waiting for an update on my life- I assume you dont have anything exciting going on in yours...and perhaps you should STOP reading now...and GET A LIFE!!em>
OK. what have I been doing?? Or more Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1066630354904081992003-10-20T15:12:00.000+09:002003-10-20T15:12:34.930+09:00Yesterday I found myself at a Halloween Party- dressed as a PUMPKIN!
Yes!
Picture it if you can...me-in a bright orange pumpkin suit complete with a cute little leaf which perched upon my head!
It was actually quite hysterical, and a wonderful way to remember my first ever Halloween Party!
The BIG QUESTION has been asked: TO RE-CONTRACT or NOT to RE-CONTRACT. A third year in Japan (July 2004-Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1066264762156123782003-10-16T09:39:00.000+09:002003-10-16T09:41:24.940+09:00Last night, on a hill high about the the sparkling lights of Sendai, I saw an amazing sight.
A beautiful white statue of a LADY.
I dont how know tall she is (she is HUGE- she towered over us-and can be seen from miles away!).
I dont know what shes made of- maybe marble...it was hard to tell for sure.
I dont know how long she has been there. Or why she is there.
I DO know how she made me feel.Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1066111892344572162003-10-14T15:11:00.000+09:002003-10-16T09:19:32.643+09:00M.I.T.I.E. (Miyagi Intensive Training In English) Seminar. 7-10 October.
4 days.
24 students & 8 ALTs (note the ratio is 3:1)
INTENSIVE was an understatement of the week!!!
It was an amazing time for us all.
The students were literally & figuratively "showered" with SO MUCH English they were dreaming in ENGLISH. Which is nothing exciting for some- its a BIG DEAL if Japanese (NOT English) is Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1065422845729620592003-10-06T15:47:00.000+09:002003-10-06T15:47:25.383+09:00Danola has left the planet...
ie Im going to a place where internet does NOT exisit. I will be back on Tuesday 14 October.
Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1065140967292245592003-10-03T09:29:00.000+09:002003-10-03T09:34:27.816+09:00A poem thats on my mind:
However far we may wander...
However near we may roam,
Our thoughts will still be turning,
To those we love at HOME
AND HERE! (my contribution to this peom)
p.s. Happy Birthday VERUSHKA!! ja.. ja...we are the same age now!! Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1064974230458739312003-10-01T11:10:00.000+09:002003-10-01T11:10:30.453+09:00Times Change:
Summer has faded to autum. The nights are cooler. Light cotton clothes are being replaced by two layers...of heavier stuff!
People Change:
D to P. Liberating yet sad. Im filled with regret.
B to C. Taken by surprise. I didnt think Id see the day! (*Smirk*)
Feelings Change:
Out of the blue- missing someone I didnt know I was thinking about.
Someone I havent Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1064882541547790482003-09-30T09:42:00.000+09:002003-09-30T10:07:27.150+09:00Last week I had a dream-about My Boss. He mentioned casually in conversation about traffic, that his wife had a baby.
The day after my dream, she really DID have a baby.
Oh NO!Dont get me wrong-his wife WAS pregnant before my dream (my name is not Hermoinie! )
But, the fact that I had this dream, the day before Sarina was born, makes me think
a) I have ESP
b) my sub-conscious is working Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1064536983204425182003-09-29T02:02:00.000+09:002003-09-30T10:07:04.433+09:00A weekend filled with REAL FRIENDSHIP and LOVE. Intercontinentally...and locally!!
A letter(delivered to me at my desk @ school by the Vice Principal). The last thing in the world I was expecting to fall out was pictures of Simon & I, and a letter -filled with words only "Simon Says"-that made me miss him like crazy!
Emails from Uncle G & Uncle A- both worlds away- starting new lives- but Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1064535158790649482003-09-27T19:15:00.000+09:002003-09-27T19:15:48.973+09:00OK...so Iv been REALLY REALLY bad with this BLOG thing...BUT Iv had my hands full (in more ways than one!) and I simply havent had the time to pound away at this keyboard!
The last few weeks-in a nutshell:
Terushens visit was GREAT. Gave us plenty of time to bond, get to know each other again, and do some really special things- like "Space Mountain" and "Pooh's Honey Hunt" at Tokyo Disneyland.Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1063070684795017672003-09-09T10:24:00.000+09:002003-09-09T15:58:56.730+09:00Bloody Hell!! What a weekend!!
Saturday was my school's culture festival(Bunkasai). Its kinda like a flea-market/exhibition day organised and run entirely by the students. It was lotsa fun- especially since I brought Terushen to school to witness it first hand.
FIRSTLY most of my students thought he was "MY BOYFRIEND" (any man I am with is automatically assumed to be my boyfriend. I wonder- do Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1062635630680198882003-09-04T09:33:00.000+09:002003-09-04T09:34:49.543+09:00T's adventures in Miyagi continue. Yesterday he went to Sendai (the closest city) with my neighbour Dave. I THINK he had a good time. With T its hard to tell. Conversation with him is often like pulling teeth without anesthetic!
Last night we went to a local traditional Japanese style pub. Again, Im not 100% sure what his impression was- cause IM NOT PSYCHIC!!
Today(Thursday) is a special Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1062472308586292592003-09-02T12:11:00.000+09:002003-09-02T12:11:48.616+09:00Terushen (T) is still on SA time. He slept until 2pm yesterday & when I got home from school at about 4pm he was on the couch- watching a movie. LAZY PIG!!
I dragged him (despite his protests) for a walk to my local supermarket.
Walking along the street I asked him if he could identify what kinda business' we were looking at. The only thing he recognised was a PETROL STATION!
At the supermarketDanolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1062397127841403672003-09-01T15:18:00.000+09:002003-09-01T15:18:47.943+09:00SUPER SUNDAY
I had the most amazing sunday. A movie that never happened, a BEATLES song that did. "II KANJI DESHITA!"
Then the cherry on top was Terushen's arrival last night. It was SO Great to recognise his familiar walk in the crowd in the airport! His first impression of Japan: "The women are HOT" His first meal in: ramen (noodles). The poor lad couldn't eat with chopsticks! The restaurant Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1062118418949998122003-08-29T09:53:00.000+09:002003-08-29T09:53:38.873+09:00TWO MORE SLEEPS
I am now counting down to Sunday evening. 7.25pm. My wonderful, incredible (seriously jet-lagged ) brother will arrive in Sendai!
His total travelling time will be about 24 hours. He had difficulty doing a 4hour flight to Mauritius a few years ago...I can just imagine how he will be feeling when he gets to me on Sunday!
So I wait- at the top of a foggy mountain. I hear Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1062052378875758642003-08-28T15:32:00.000+09:002003-08-28T15:32:58.916+09:00Its amazing what you can find when you are least looking for it!!!
I have always believed that everything happens for a reason. I wonder if my saying "sayonara" to 6 people recently has anything to do with my saying "konnichiwa" to one person who is swiftly changing my world.
Im seeing a new side of Japan now. Involving a blue candle, dinner in " water & light" dancing butterflies in a field Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1061963005278735032003-08-27T14:43:00.000+09:002003-08-27T14:43:25.203+09:00Ok so...inspired by Dana-tjie I am hereby determined to drag myself outa the email cronicals and get with the programme-the technological programme that is!!
In the last few weeks I have been forced to bid teary farewells to not 1...not 2..but 6 amazing people! Six people I met in the last year...who touched my small world and made it sparkle. Six people who reminded me of the value of the Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1061961822169771782003-08-27T14:23:00.000+09:002003-08-27T14:45:12.846+09:00ok..think i figured it out lets see...Danolanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732809.post-1061961770122202752003-08-27T14:22:00.000+09:002003-08-27T14:23:21.753+09:00trying to figure out how on earth this worksDanolanoreply@blogger.com0